Earth frozen and stark,
bare branches and limp scattered leaves,
hope is far.
Warmth flickers like the far off sun,
words spoken in love rest on surface,
but go no further.
White falls and blankets,
covering and patient,
awaiting the release of the Father.
Our world is amazing isn’t it? Every year we go through the 4 seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. Just think about that cycle for a moment using different words: Rest, Awaken, Grow, Harvest.
Honestly, if you think about the cycle of the seasons it’s a perfect system. In the Winter, it grows cold, the plants sleep, and the ground is frozen. When precipitation occurs, it falls as snow and blankets the ground. The snow actually acts as an insulator to protect the ground and the resting plants. In the Spring, as the weather warms, the snow melts, the ground warms and plants drink in the water as they awaken. In the Summer, all things grow and begin to mature in the warmth of the Sun and plentiful water. In the Fall, the plants are ready for the harvest and enjoyment.
If you think about your life, where do you see yourself?
A few years ago I painted a picture that represented winter for my home. I wanted it to have a bible verse and when I looked up “snow” this verse came up:
“He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.”
(Psalm 147:16)
I thought it was pretty and painted a wonderful picture of winter. At the time that’s all I thought it represented. But I was wrong in many ways.
Last year I felt a nudge from God to “open my Bible and read”, so I did. I read the entirety of Psalm 147:1-20(NIV) and was brought to a realization: God is faithful.
This is something that I’ve shared before and it can be hard to talk about. But my husband and I are struggling with infertility. I have blanketed myself in the promises that I know to be given from God. Promises that are actually in Psalm 147:13,
“He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you.”
To me this verse, is a reminder that children come from God. That no matter what our doctor’s say, through God we will have our babies. I’ve had words from people who love us and are strong in their faith, that say at least one of our babies will come from our bodies and another will come from our hearts (or adoption). I don’t know how any of this will play out. But as I sit here awaiting the Snowdrop flowers that come after the barren (seeming) Winter I am reminded of God’s faithfulness.
In the season of waiting I Am here.
As I attend church, read my bible and receive advice from those around me God is spreading His word around me like a “blanket of snow”. Because I will be the first to admit that I feel as though I am in a Winter. A place where there doesn’t seem to be hope, but I can feel the protection and promise that God is laying over me and my husband.
In the season of answers I Am here.
When God’s timing is right He brings revelation. When He breathes the spring winds into being, the snow melts and quenches. Fulfills. I have heard the answers from God, through people close to me. But now I am awaiting the fulfillment of His promise.
…
I am waiting for my Spring to occur and for the promises of God to awaken. The one thing that keeps me going from day to day is knowing that God always fulfills His promises. Just as I know the seasons will occur in the order they were created to follow. I know that God will bring about my next season in the timing He ordains.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Bethany Thomas is the Publicity Coordinator and a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a daughter of God, a wife, and a dog mom. When not writing for the blog, you are most likely to find her reading a fantasy novel or crafting at her home in Sapulpa, OK.